Free Music Downloads Available From New Rochelle Library

Do you want Adele's Skyfall in your music collection—how about Pink's Try—but you don't want to shell out money for it?

If you have a New Rochelle Public Library card, you can now download for free—and keep—those tunes and other music from a collection of over 3 million songs.

The music can be downloaded to computers or mobile devices.

"We are pleased to be able to offer expanded access to e-materials," said Tom Geoffino, the library's director.

"For residents who don't have a library card, this is an ideal time to acquire one," he said. "The library's free downloads can result in a substantial personal savings."

A user must access Freegal through their library's Web site, using their account number and PIN.

There are also apps available from the Apple App Store and the Android Marketplace, otherwise known as Google Play.

According to the FAQ provided by the library, users have a weekly limit of three downloads. There is a counter in the upper right corner of the library's Freegal Web site and the apps. Be aware that each movement of a symphony or chamber music work is counted as separate download.

The counter resets to zero at 12:01 a.m. each Monday.

The iTunes app, the FAQ said, is not allowed to export files to iTunes or any other software. You can, however download another copy within two weeks

Freegal recommends downloading from the Web site to the desktop and then importing the file into iTunes by either dragging the file to the open application or by choosing "Add to Library," locating the file and clicking "Open." That way a copy will remain on your computer.

A complete list of FAQ can be found on the library's Freegal FAQ page. 

While all this may seem daunting, the library offers monthly classes to teach individuals how to search through the library's collection of downloadable books and music, as well as how to check them out, download them to compuer, transfer it to your mobile device and burn them to a CD.

The next classes are from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18 and Feb. 22. To register, call 914-813-3737.